Follow-Up to 'Purpose Driven Life' to Hit Shelves in November

Tuesday, Sep. 15, 2009 Posted: 5:21:06PM HKT

Megachurch Pastor Rick Warren will be releasing the follow-up to his bestselling Purpose Driven Life in November through Christian publishing giant Zondervan, according to a recent announcement.

The Hope You Need, which Warren has been working on since July, will invite readers to “plug into the unparalleled power that exists within the words of the best-known prayer on the planet,” the Lord’s Prayer, through which Jesus taught his disciples to pray.

“With his classic approachability, passion and candor, Warren provides helpful insight and much-needed inspiration in these tough times regarding every area of life that God tells us turn over to Him, including fear, resentment, worry, guilt and loneliness,” Zondervan stated in their announcement.

Though Warren’s original plan was to release the book next year on Easter Sunday – the 30th anniversary of his Southern California megachurch – the increasingly influential evangelical leader noted that many individuals, including his own congregation, are right now feeling the pinch of the recession, and are in need of hope.

“My motivation as an author has always been the message, not the market and I have been waiting for the right time, until I had something to say that would speak to the personal and societal problems we all face, ” he explained.

Adding to Warren’s comments, Zondervan CEO Moe Girkins said, “Gaining insight and meaning to the way Jesus prayed to His Father no doubt will inspire all of us.”

“We are thrilled to partner once again with our long-time friend to bring this timeless and timely message to everyone,” she said.

According to Zondervan, The Hope You Need will release simultaneously in English and Spanish worldwide on Nov. 17.

The book draws its inspiration from an eight-part sermon series Warren taught on the Lord’s Prayer at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, Calif. earlier this year.

Kevin P Donovan
Christian Post Reporter